title: [Proton bomb inhibitors: a study of the prescription in a functional recovery unit].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) has increased exponentially since they were introduced. However concerns have been raised regarding the appropriateness of these prescriptions, and the potential side effects, particularly in frail elderly people, as well as the cost of this treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the extent and appropriateness of PPI prescribing in a group of patients over 65 years old admitted to the functional recovery unit of a medium-stay hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective review of inpatient prescribing of PPI was carried out in a functional recovery unit in Hospital de la Fuenfría, selecting those older than 65 years, who were admitted during 2011. Data obtained from medical records included, prescription of a PPI before admission and at the time of discharge from hospital (both acute care hospital and Hospital de la Fuenfría), type of PPI, and indications for their prescription.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Inclusion criteria were met by 296 patients (mean age 78.8 years, 70.6% females). A total of 45.3, 79.1 and 75.5% of patients were on PPIs before admission, and at the time of being discharge from acute care hospital, and Hospital de la Fuenfría, respectively. A valid indication for therapy was not apparent in 62.7, 30.8 and 54.2% of them. Omeprazole was the most widely prescribed PPI.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There appears to be a widespread and inappropriate use of PPIs in hospital practice. Interventions are needed to curtail this inappropriate prescribing practice, avoiding side effects and drug interactions.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Recuperación Funcional, Hospital de la Fuenfría, Cercedilla, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: López-Dóriga Bonnardeaux
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Neira Álvarez
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mansilla Laguía
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006757:Hospital Units; D006801:Humans; D057970:Inappropriate Prescribing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors
keywords: Antiinflamatorios no esteroideos; Gastroesophageal reflux; Inappropriate prescribing; Inhibidores de la bomba de protones; Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents; Prescripción inapropiada; Proton pump inhibitors; Reflujo gastroesofágico